Jenny has 17+ of experience in the iGaming industry, having worked for some of the UK's leading brands. She is a recognised expert in bingo and slots.
Introduction
Welcome to My Bingo Calls Article
You’ve probably heard some of these quirky phrases at your local bingo hall or even while playing at your favourite online bingo site.
Even if you’ve never played bingo, chances are you’ve heard classics like Two Fat Ladies (88) or Legs Eleven (11) - they’re now part of British culture! But did you know these catchy calls originally started as a way for bingo callers to liven up the game and make sure players could hear the numbers clearly over all the excitement? Imagine trying to figure out if it’s 14 or 40 with a room full of people chatting away - absolute chaos!
If you're looking for a new bingo site to play at, OLBG has some top bingo offers online to check out. But for now let's get started.
The History of UK Bingo Calls
At OLBG, we love helping bingo fans find the best sites to play! I’m Jenny Mason, and with years of experience working with some of the UK’s top bingo brands, I know exactly what to look for in a great bingo site. Every recommendation is backed by thorough research to bring you honest, expert insights.
And to make sure you’re getting the most accurate and up-to-date info, my OLBG colleague, Sam Darkens, has carefully fact-checked this article.
The history of UK bingo calls dates back to the early 20th century when bingo became a popular pastime in Britain. Originating in 16th-century Italy, it spread widely in the UK after World War I. Soldiers played a version for morale, inspiring many calls based on military slang and rhyming phrases. Traditional calls developed through rhyming slang, such as 'snakes alive' for 55 and 'staying alive' 85.
🎱 The Fascinating History of UK Bingo Calls!
Over time, pop culture has influenced bingo calls, keeping the tradition fun and relevant.
Here’s a rundown of some of the most popular bingo call numbers grouped into easy-to-read categories:
Rhyming Slang
Bingo calls often use playful rhyming slang, making numbers more memorable and entertaining. These quirky phrases add charm to the game!
| Bingo Call | Number | Origin |
|---|---|---|
| Garden Gate | 8 | Garden gate is a cockney rhyme for ‘mate’ and also rhymes with 8 |
Clickety Click | 66 | A catchy phrase that rhymes with the number 66 |
| Heaven’s Gate | 78 | Words that rhyme with 78 |
Visual Inspo
Some bingo calls are inspired by the shape of numbers, creating fun visual references.
| Bingo Call | Number | Origin |
|---|---|---|
Legs Eleven | 11 | Looks like two legs |
| Two Fat Ladies | 88 | Resembles two curvy women |
| Two Little Ducks | 22 | The number resembles two ducks side by side |
Military & Historical
Many bingo calls have military and historical roots, inspired by wartime slang and famous events and figures.
| Bingo Call | Number | Origin |
|---|---|---|
Doctor’s Orders | 9 | Named after the ‘Number 9’ laxative pill given to British soldiers in WWII |
Danny La Rue | 52 | A nod to the famous drag performer, playing on 52 |
The Brighton Line | 59 | This used to be the London-to-Brighton train line number |
Kelly’s Eye | 1 | Military term related to the 'one-eyed' helmet worn by Australian outlaw Ned Kelly |
Pop, Culture & Media
Some bingo calls are inspired by pop culture, music, and media:
| Bingo Call | Number | Origin |
|---|---|---|
Knock at the Door | 4 | Based on the common British phrase |
Heinz Varieties | 57 | relates to the Heinz company slogan |
| 39 Steps | 39 | From the Alfred Hitchcock film - 39 Steps |
| Unlucky for Some | 13 | 13 is traditionally seen as an unlucky number |
Many of these classic bingo calls have remained unchanged for decades, keeping the tradition alive in bingo halls. However, as bingo evolves, modern versions referencing current celebrities and trends are also emerging which you can see below:
Modern UK Bingo Calls
Modern bingo calls often reference current trends and slang:
| Bingo Call | Number | Origin |
|---|---|---|
Love Island | 5 | Inspired by the hit reality TV show |
Wills and Kate | 8 | Updated from 'garden gate' to reference the royal couple |
Hashtag Heaven | 77 | A social media twist on the usual sunset strip |
Selfie Queen | 17 | A nod to influencers and Instagram culture |
Bingo Chat Rooms: How to Join the Fun, Play Games & Get Social
Which Bingo Numbers Are Called the Most?
Top Pragmatic Play Bingo Sites in the UK for 2025
Practice your Bingo Calls on These Bingo Sites
Ready to master your bingo calls? Try these top bingo sites, where you can practice your skills while enjoying exciting games and promos.
- Wide choice of bingo rooms and bingo variants
- Excellent welcome bonus
Final Thoughts
I have to admit, I’m not the biggest fan of the modern bingo calls - maybe I’m just showing my age! Give me the classics any day, like Number 3, Cup of Tea and 17, Dancing Queen!
I was trying to explain bingo calls to a French friend the other day, and she just stared at me, completely baffled. And I get it - it does sound pretty strange when you break it down. But that’s the charm of it - it’s a niche, tongue-in-cheek part of British culture that is so much fun.
No matter how bingo evolves, one thing remains certain: shouting 'Full House' will always be a part of the game!
Please leave a comment below and tell me about your favourite bingo calls? I’d love to know!
